Pumpkin decorating kit and method using light guiding pegs

ABSTRACT

A children&#39;s kit for illuminative decoration of the exterior shell of a pumpkin, without requiring a carving knife. The kit  10  consists of packaging  12 , light pegs  60 , a pattern sheet  30 , a tool  100 , and light  25 . The light pegs  60  are a light transmissive material that can be colored and have a length at least equal to the pumpkin shell thickness. Each light peg  60  has a first end that is convergent to pierce the exterior shell wall and is operative to collect light, a shaft portion to transmit light to a second end with an enlarged peg head. The enlarged peg head protrudes above the shell surface and is operative to disperse light. The pattern  30  locates the light pegs  60  on the pumpkin shell, with the tool  100  used to drive the light pegs  60  through the pumpkin shell. The light  25  is placed inside the open interior of the pumpkin to illuminate the light pegs  60.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of International Application No.PCT/US00/41420 filed on Oct. 20, 2000, which was published under PCTArticle 21(2) in English on Jun. 21, 2001 as International PublicationNo. WO 01/43990 A2, which International Application claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/160,849, filed Oct. 21,1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a method and kit forilluminative decoration of an exterior surface portion of a shell wallformed from a large item of produce. More particularly, the presentinvention is directed to a method and kit using light guiding pegs forcreating a pattern on a surface to be decorated. Specifically, thepresent invention is directed to a method and kit for decoratingsurfaces of large vegetables or produce having a selected shell wallthickness and an open interior, such as pumpkins, with holiday themes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The provision of decorative designs on exposed surfaces has been knownsince the earliest cavemen first scratched or painted animal sketches onthe walls of their dwellings. As is well known, a variety of techniquesare available for decorating surfaces, including printing, painting,carving, stenciling, etc. The present invention, however, is directed toforming patterns on a surface in a new and useful manner that may beparticularly implemented by children. Even more specifically, thepresent invention concerns decorating items of produce, such aspumpkins, in order to provide a decorative holiday theme. Of particularconcern is providing a method and a kit for decorating pumpkins forHalloween.

As is known, pumpkin carving has long been one of the several ways inwhich Halloween is celebrated. Traditionally, pumpkin carving involvesthe removal of a portion of the pumpkin shell surrounding the stem,removal of the seeds and fibers contained in the pumpkin and thereaftercarving humorous, grotesque or other decorative features partially orwhollythrough the pumpkin shell by removing fleshy portions of the shellto obtain the desired appearance. Internal illumination is then providedeither by a candle or a battery operated light to result in a glowingdecorative pattern.

In the past, pumpkin carving was typically accomplished with the use ofpocketknives, paring knives, and the like. Due to the size of thesecutting instruments, a typical carver was only able to obtain limited,fairly large-scaled decorative features. These knives can be quitedifficult to control, and this, in conjunction with the sharpness of theknife, exposes the carver to the danger of injury. The result is thatpumpkin carving exhibits a fairly high degree of danger for youngchildren so that pumpkin carving was often done by an adult parent orolder sibling. This, of course, reduces the enjoyment to the youngerchild from the pumpkin carving festivity.

In order to meet the need for safer instruments that might be utilizedto carve decorative appearances in pumpkin shells, a pumpkin carving kitwas developed and was described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,114 issued May 9,1989 to John P. Bardeen. This pumpkin carving kit allows more intricatedesigns to be carved in the pumpkin shell and increases the safety overnormal, pre-existing carving techniques for children, adults and thelike. While this pumpkin carving kit exhibited a superior solution inresponse to the desire to carve pumpkins, there remained a need for safepumpkin decorating techniques available to even younger children or asan alternative to pumpkin carving.

Other techniques have been known in the past to decorate pumpkins, and aprimary example is the placing of decorative stickers on the pumpkinshell. Here, for example, decorative elements such as eyes, ears, noses,mouths and teeth are configured out of brightly colored paper-likematerial that is provided with an adhesive backing. The user simplyselects the desired features and sticks each feature at a desiredlocation on the pumpkin shell. While this provides enjoyment for a smallchild and is safe, it fairly limits the festive event since very littletime is involved in applying the stickers to the pumpkin shell.Additionally, the resulting pumpkin creation does not entertain theprospect of being interiorly lit in the manner in which carved Halloweenpumpkins generally are presented.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improved surface decoratingtechniques that may be specially employed by children and which providea satisfying creation as an end result. These techniques need to be safeand easy to implement while providing increased enjoyment for thedecorating experience. Moreover, there remains a need for an improvedmethod and kit, especially usable by children that may be employed inthe decorating of pumpkins for Halloween.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and usefulpumpkin decorating kit that is especially constructed for use by veryyoung children, such as those of an age of six (6) or younger.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a pumpkindecorating method that is easy to employ and which may be accomplishedby a young child with a minimum of adult supervision.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a simplifiedpumpkin decorating kit that eliminates the need for carving and whichprovides a brightly illuminated appearance.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pumpkindecorating kit and method that employs techniques that are familiar tochildren. According to the present invention a kit for the illuminativedecoration of an exterior surface of an item of produce is provided.Broadly, the kit includes a plurality of light pegs constructed of alight transmissive material and having a length at least equal to thethickness of the shell wall of the item of produce. The kit alsoincludes a tool adapted to drive the light pegs through the exteriorsurface of the shell wall so that a portion will be able to opticallycommunicate the open interior of the item of produce. The driving toolaccording to the present invention is preferably in the form of a mallethaving an enlarged cylindrical head and a handle. In any event, thedriving tool should be sized and configured to be grasped by a child ofsix years old or less.

The kit can also include one or more pattern sheets and an illuminationdevice with the components of the kit being contained within suitablepackaging. The pattern sheet is adapted to attach to the exteriorsurface portion of the shell wall and is marked to locate positions forat least some of the light pegs corresponding to a decorative pattern.In any event, each pattern sheet locates position for at least some ofthe light pegs by using elements selected from a group consisting ofpattern holes, pattern dots and lines. The illumination device ispreferably an electrically illumination device such as one that isbattery operated. The battery powered light may have a flashing bulb togive a desired flashing effect. Moreover, the illumination device mayhave a base that is operative to penetrate into the shell wall toindependently support the illumination device in the open interior ofthe item of produce.

Preferably, the light pegs are formed of a transparent plastic and comein at least three different colors. Accordingly, the pattern sheet mayhave markings that are correlated to the light peg's colors instructingthe positioning of selected colors at selected locations. Each of thelight pegs has a first or light collecting end that operates to collectthe light, a shaft portion operative to transmit the light to a secondend that is opposite the first end. The second end preferably is formedas an enlarge peg head operative to emit transmitted light divergentlytherefrom. The enlarged head may be provided with facets, grooves, ribsor images in order to enhance the aesthetic effect of the light emittedtherefrom. The light collecting end preferably has a convergent endportion. The shaft may be coated with a light reflective material ifdesired. Alternatively, the shaft can have longitudinal grooves.

The present invention is also directed to a method for the illuminativedecoration of the exterior of a large item of produce by the elements ofthe kit described above. Broadly, the method includes a first step ofproviding a plurality of light pegs that are constructive of lighttransmissive material and that include a light collecting portion, alight emitting portion and a shaft having a length extending from thelight collecting portion to the light emitting portion. Next, the methodincludes the step of cutting an access port into the shell wall into theitem of produce to expose the interior cavity. Then, matter in theinterior cavity of the item of produce is removed to form an openinterior cavity. The method then includes the step of scrapping theshell wall from the open interior cavity of the produce to reduce thethickness of the shell to a dimension about equal to or less the lengthof the shaft of the light pegs. At least some of the light pegs are theninserted into the exterior surface of the shell wall to a depth of atleast the shell wall thickness. Finally, the method includes the step ofilluminating the open interior of the cavity of the item of produce.

According to the method, the step of inserting the plurality of lightpegs into the interior surface of the shell wall is accomplished bydriving the light pegs through the shell with a tool. The method mayalso include the step of providing a pattern on the exterior surface ofthe item of produce and inserting the light pegs according to thepattern to produce a desired decoration. The method may also include thestep of employing a plurality of light pegs to create a common designfeature. Finally, the step of illuminating the open interior cavity isaccomplished preferably by placing an electrically powered light sourcein the interior cavity.

These and other objects of the present invention will become morereadily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the followingdetailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view in elevation showing a pumpkin decorating kitaccording to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view in elevation showing a partially decoratedpumpkin according to the kit and method of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view in elevation of a representative decorativepattern for use on a pumpkin according to the kit and method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pumpkin having affixed thereto thepattern of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the pattern shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a light peg used to decorate a pumpkinaccording to the kit and method of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view in cross-section of the light peg of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the head portion of the light peg of FIG.6;

FIG. 9 is a side view in elevation of the distal light collecting tipportion of the light peg of FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pumpkin shell havinginserted therethrough a light peg according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view, similar to FIG. 10, but broken away asshowing multiple light paths for light rays passing through the lightpeg of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the tensingsurface of the light peg of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative mallet for use in thekit according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view in elevation of the head portion of the mallet ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the lensingsurface of the light peg of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the lensingsurface of the light peg of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a side view in elevation of the head portion of the mallet ofFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is generally directed to a pumpkin decorating kit,but the present invention particularly concerns a pumpkin decorating kitthat may be used by very small children, such as those of an age of six(6) or less.

Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a method for decoratinga pumpkin that is easy and that may be used with less adult supervisionthan that normally accompanying pumpkin sculpting or carving. Thepresent invention also discloses a novel light peg that is central tothe kit and method of the present invention.

With reference first to FIG. 1, a pumpkin decorating kit according tothe preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, kit 10is formed by a package 12 that contains, mounts or otherwise displaysfor sale the components thereof. Pumpkin decorating kit 10 includes alight source 25, a bag 50 of light pegs, preferably of at least threedifferent colors, and a driving tool such as a mallet 100, all as morethoroughly described below. In addition, pumpkin-decorating kit 10preferably contains one or more patterns, such as pattern 30 (FIGS. 3and 4). It should be understood that a light source or illuminativedevice 25 is of any convenient construction, but is preferably a batteryoperated light that may have a flashing bulb as described in U.S. Pat.application Ser. No. 09/163,744 filed Sep. 30, 1998, which accomplishesthe purposes described below. A base 26 is adapted to mount the lightsource to the bottom of the pumpkin.

With reference to FIG. 2, it may be seen that representative pumpkin 14has an access port or lid 16 formed therein to provide an access openingto the interior region or cavity of the pumpkin. To facilitatedecorating, the interior of the pumpkin is cleaned to remove theinternal matter normally being seeds and fibrous contents thereof toform an open interior cavity, for example, by means of a scraper/scoopsuch as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,050 issued Mar. 3, 1992 toBardeen. In FIG. 2, it may be seen that pumpkin 14 is partiallydecorated with holiday theme (Halloween) features such as eye 20,eyebrow 21, nose 22 and mouth 23. In addition, as is shown FIG. 2,pumpkin 14 includes a transfer guide for an eye 20′, a transfer pattern21′ for an eyebrow and the remainder of the transfer pattern for themouth 23′. Each of transfer patterns 20′, 21′ and 23′ are formed by dotsthat are transferred from a pattern sheet to the pumpkin 14 as describedbelow. Moreover, it should be appreciated that each of facial features20-23 are formed by a plurality of light pegs 60 that are insertedthrough the exterior surface of the shell wall and through the shellwall of the pumpkin 14 at the locations of the dots forming the eyefacial features transferred from the pattern.

A representative pattern sheet 30 according to the present invention isshown in FIG. 3. Pattern sheet 30 generally includes various enlargeddesign element templates for transferring a pattern to the surface ofpumpkin 14. Here, eye templates 20″, eyebrow templates 21″, nosetemplate 22″ and mouth template 23″ are shown, arranged in arepresentative face pattern. Each template includes a plurality ofpattern holes 32, which may be pre-cut or scored, or which may beprinted on pattern sheet 30 in a medium such as indelible ink. Here,pattern sheet 30 displays a design of pattern holes 32, which isidentical to the pattern, formed on pumpkin 14 in FIG. 2. Additionally,pattern sheet 30 includes a plurality of cut lines 34 provided at eachedge as well as circumference cut line 36. Pattern sheet 30 may be cutaround circumference cut line 36 to provide a generally circularpattern, and severed a portion of the distance of each edge towards thecenter of pattern sheet 30 which allows pattern sheet 30 to be placedaround the generally spherical contour of the pumpkin to be decorated.

As shown in FIG. 4, pattern sheet 30 is attached to the surface ofpumpkin 14, such as by adhesive tape 40. Pattern sheet 30 may overlapitself near severed cut lines 34, thereby to contour to pumpkin 14. Thepattern may be transferred to the surface of pumpkin 14 by using acrayon, marker, pen or other suitable device to mark over the area ofoutlined bands 50, as shown in FIG. 5, that flank the open pattern holes32 of the enlarged features of pattern sheet 30. This transfers thepattern of pattern sheet 30 as a series of colored dots on the surfaceof pumpkin 14, such as the transfer shown in FIG. 2. Optionally, thecrayon, marker, pen or other instrument may be used to wholly orpartially color in the interior of pattern holes 32 without drawing onpattern sheet 30. Pattern sheet 30 may also have marking that iscorrelated to light peg 60 colors.

Alternatively, a device such as a push pin or one of light pegs 60 maybe used to transfer the pattern of pattern sheet 30 to pumpkin 14 bypushing the device into the surface of pumpkin 14 through pattern sheet30 and subsequently removing the device thereby to leave a hole in thesurface of pumpkin 14 corresponding to each of pattern holes 32. Suchmethod is especially preferred when pattern holes 32 of pattern sheet 30are simply drawn or imprinted on, rather than cut into, pattern sheet30. After the pattern has been transferred, the pattern sheet 30 isremoved from pumpkin 14 and the shell of pumpkin 14 is ready for theinsertion of light pegs 60 to form facial features 20-23, as shown inFIG. 2. Additionally, it should be appreciated that, in lieu oftransferring a pattern to pumpkin 14 by the methods discussed above,light pegs 60 may be inserted, by the methods described below, directlythrough pattern holes 32 and into pumpkin 14. In such case, the patternsheet 30 would then be removed from the pumpkin surface, thereby leavingthe light pegs 60 in the desired pattern on the pumpkin surface.

A representative light peg is shown in FIGS. 6-9. Here, light peg 60includes an enlarged light emitting head 62 that has a curved shoulderportion 64 proximate thereto. A first end distal light-collecting tip 66is at the opposite end of shaft 68. Light peg 60 is formed of anysuitable material but is preferably a light transmissive material suchas a transparent plastic that may be clear or tinted a desired color.Light collecting tip 66 is configured to collect light from the interiorof a hollowed out pumpkin 14 from the light source 25 and to conduct ortransmit light collected by tip 66 along shaft 68 to a second endemitting head 62 to disperse the light. Accordingly, it is desired thatshaft 68 achieve as much internal reflection as possible in a manner tothat known in the fiber optic art.

In any event, as is shown in FIG. 7, light peg 60 has a length of atleast being equal to the shell wall thickness, with a length “l₁” thatis preferably about 1.75 inches (44.55 mm). Head 62 has a diameter “d₁”that is preferably 0.38 inches (9.53 mm). Head 62 includes a flatcylindrical rim portion 70 that preferably has a length of “l₂” in thedirection of longitudinal central axis “L” with “l₂” being approximately0.03 inches (0.79 mm). Shoulder 64 tapers from rim 70 in a smooth mannerto extend into shaft 68. Shaft 68 is preferably cylindrical and has adiameter “d₂” that is approximately 0.13 inches (3.30 mm).

With reference to FIG. 8, it may be seen that head 62 has a lensingsurface 72 that is arcuately configured at a radius “r₁” having a centerpoint on axis “L”, with “r₁” being sized to provide a general curve tolensing surface 72 that is operative to transmit light in a divergentpattern. As is seen in FIG. 8, lensing surface 72 extends transverselyof axis “L” and is designed to emit light that is collected bycollecting tip 66 and transmitted through shaft 68 to head 62. Shoulder64 is also formed at a radius, with this radius “r₂” being about 0.4inches (10.31 mm).

First light collecting end or distal tip 66 is best shown in FIG. 9having a convergent end portion that is operative to pierce the exteriorsurface of the shell wall and through the shell wall. The convergent endis formed at two different radii of curvature. The extreme distal tip 67is formed at a radius of curvature “r₃” that is preferably about 0.01inch (0.30 mm). The portions 69 of distal tip 66 which extend fromcylindrical shaft 68 to distal point 67 are formed at a radius ofcurvature “r₄” that is preferably about 0.1 inch (2.54 mm). It should beunderstood that nay suitable converging tip that facilitates insertionof the light pegs may be suitable but it is preferable that the tip notbe excessively sharp to reduce any danger to a young child.

With reference now to FIG. 10, it may be seen that a representativelight peg 60 is constructed to pierce the exterior surface of the shellwall 17 and through the shell wall 15 of the pumpkin. To this end, themethod of the present invention contemplates that an access port or lid16 is cut in pumpkin 14 after which the internal matter normally beingseeds and fleshy pulp are removed from the interior cavity of thepumpkin 14, to form an open interior cavity as described above inreference to FIG. 2. Shell 15 is then thinned from the open interiorcavity by scraping until it reaches a selected thickness, preferablyapproximately one to one-half inches (25.4 mm to 12.7 mm). The patternto be created on the pumpkin is either then transferred using patternsheet 30, as described above in reference to FIGS. 3-5. Typically, asingle design feature will be formed by a plurality of light pegs 60.Light pegs 60 are then inserted or driven through the exterior surfaceof the shell wall 17 and through the shell wall 15, as is shown in FIG.10, in a manner not unlike a nail. Alternatively, as discussed above,light pegs 60 may be driven through shell 15 directly through patternsheet 30 without first transferring the pattern to pumpkin 14. Shoulder64 of head 62 acts as a stop as shaft 68 creates a bore 76 in shell 15so that the shoulder and head portion of light peg 60 protrudes from theexterior surface 17 of pumpkin 14. It should be understood that shell 15must be thinned sufficiently so that distal collector tip 66 protrudesor communicates into the interior region of the pumpkin so that lightfrom an illumination source placed therein may be collected by tip 66and transmitted by shaft 68 to emitting head 62. The light transmissionof multiple paths is shown in FIG. 11. Here, it should be appreciatedthat lensing surface 72 along with shoulder 64 act to disperse light onthe exterior surface of the shell wall 17 to cause a glowing of eachhead 62 that is highly visible when a suitable light source is placed inthe open interior cavity of the pumpkin for illumination. These multiplelight paths are represented by arrowed lines 80 and 82. The light peg 60ultimately is operative to transmit light from the interior to theexterior of the shell wall 15 so as to be visible by an externalobserver.

To enhance the illumination and to give a sparkly effect to theilluminated design: facets, images, or grooves may be added to the headof the light peg. FIGS. 12, 15, and 16 show alternative heads 164, 264and 364 with different light emitting head. In FIG. 12, light emittinghead 160 has a plurality of facets 190 that are cut equiangularlytherearound and extend radially from a center “C” of head 164 to theouter perimeter 192 that is defined by a cylindrical rim 170. In FIG.15, head 260 and image 261 (an eye) is formed by ribs 292 located onsurface 272. In FIG. 16, diagonal channels 394 are formed in surface 372of head 364. The invention is not, however, limited to theeconfigurations, as the skilled artisan could design other configurationsto produce various aesthetic effects.

It should be understood that the light pegs 160 are preferably integralpieces of molded transparent plastic material such as various resins(including generic acrylic polymers), plastics, polymers, etc.Alternative combinations of facets, images, ribs or grooves may bemolded as part of the light pegs or may be formed by cutting or theenlarged head. It is preferred, however, that they be molded intolensing surface 172 as part of the formation operation. Alternatively,the lensing surface 172 may be formed with a pattern.

Additionally, various methods of increasing the transmission of lightalong light peg 60 are contemplated. For example, as is shown in FIG.18, light peg 460 has a coating 463 formed of shaft 468, with anoptically reflective material, thereby to increase the transmission oflight from tip 466 to emitting head 462. Note that the coating shall notextend over tip 466 and emitting head 462 to preserve the function oflight collection of tip 466 and light emission of head 462.Alternatively, as is shown in FIG. 19, light pegs 560 may be scored withincisions 596, that are adapted to focus light collected from tip 566toward emitting head 568. Other methods known in the fiber opticsindustry may additionally be used.

As noted above, it is desired that the user, such as a young child lessthan six (6) years of age, be able to pound or drive light pegs, such aslight peg 60 through'shell 15 of pumpkin 14. To accomplish this, the kitaccording to the present invention includes a wooden or plastic mallet100 as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 17. In FIG. 17, mallet 100 has anenlarged cylindrical head 102 having a diameter “d₄” of about 1.38inches (35.1 mm), and an axial length “t₂” of about 1.5 inches (38.1 mm)between the opposite flat ends 104. A handle 106 having a diameter “d₅”of about 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) projects radially from the head 102. Thehandle 106 extends about 5.0 inches (127 mm) from the cylindrical head102 and is positioned centrally thereof between the opposite flat ends104, with the handle terminating in a free end 108 as shown in FIG. 1.An alternative mallet is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Here, mallet 200 hasa cylindrical head 202 that preferably has a diameter “d₃” that is 1.5inches (38.1 mm) and a thickness “t₁” that is preferably 1.5 inches(38.1 mm) but may be 1 inch (25.4 mm). A handle 204 extends radiallyoutwardly from cylindrical surface 206 to terminate at a free end 208.Handle 204 preferably has a length of approximately 5 inches (127 mm).Naturally, other suitable constructions of mallets 100 and 200 arewithin the scope of the present invention.

In any event it should be understood that other tools such as blocks,could be used to drive pegs 60 through the shell wall. In any event suchtool should be sized and configured for use by a child of age six (6) orless.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degreeof particularity directed to the exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present inventionis defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior artso that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodimentof the present invention without departing from the inventive conceptscontained herein.

We claim:
 1. A kit for illuminative decoration of an exterior surfaceportion of a shell wall formed from a item of produce to have a selectedshell wall thickness and an open interior, comprising: (a) a pluralityof light pegs constructed of a light transmissive material and having alength at least equal to the shell wall thickness, at least some of saidlight pegs having an enlarged peg head and an elongated shaft extendingtherefrom, said shaft terminating in a light collecting end; (b) apattern sheet adapted to attach to an exterior surface portion of theshell of the shell wall and marked to locate positions for at least someof said light pegs; (c) a mallet having an enlarged mallet head and ahandle that extends radially outwardly from said head, said handleterminating at a free end, said mallet adapted to permit manual drivingof said light pegs into the exterior surface of the shell wall; and (d)an illumination device adapted to be placed in the open interior of theitem of produce and operative to emit light, said light collecting endof each said light peg operative to collect light from said illuminationdevice, said elongated shaft of each light peg operative to transmitlight from said light collecting end to said enlarged peg head, and saidenlarged peg head of each light peg operative to disperse transmittedlight from the interior to the exterior so as to be visible to anobserver.
 2. A kit for illuminative decoration according to claim 1wherein said light collecting end of each of said light pegs has aconvergent end portion opposite of said enlarged peg head that isadapted to facilitate penetration of said shaft through the shell wall.3. A kit for illuminative decoration according to claim 1 wherein saidenlarged peg heads are sized and configured to act as a stop against theexterior surface portion of the shell wall when said elongated shaftsare driven through the exterior surface portion of the shell wall toallow said enlarged peg heads to protrude from the exterior surface ofthe shell wall.
 4. A kit for illuminative decoration according to claim1 wherein some of said enlarged peg heads have outer surfaces formedwith light reflective structures selected from a group consisting offacets, grooves, and images.
 5. A kit for illuminative decorationaccording to claim 1 wherein some of said elongated shafts are coatedwith an optically reflective material.
 6. A kit for illuminativedecoration according to claim 1 wherein some of said elongated shaftshave incision grooves located on an outside surface of said shaft.
 7. Amethod for illuminative decoration for an exterior surface of a largeitem of produce having a shell wall and an interior cavity containingmatter, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of light pegsthat are constructed of a light transmissive material and that include alight collecting portion, a light-emitting portion and a shaft having alength extending from said light collecting portion to said lightemitting portion; (b) cutting an access port into the shell wall of theitem of produce to expose the interior cavity; (c) removing the matterfrom the interior cavity of the item of produce to form an open interiorcavity; (d) scraping the shell wall from the open interior cavity of theproduce to reduce the thickness of the shell wall to a dimension aboutequal to or less than the length of said shaft; (e) inserting at leastsome of said light pegs into the exterior surface of the shell wall to adepth of at least the shell wall thickness; and (f) illuminating theopen interior cavity of the produce.
 8. A method for illuminativedecoration according to claim 7 wherein the step of inserting aplurality of light pegs into the exterior surface of the shell wall andthrough the shell wall is accomplished by driving the light pegs throughthe shell with a tool.
 9. A method for illuminative decoration accordingto claim 7 including the step of providing a pattern on the exteriorsurface of the item of produce and inserting said pegs according to saidpattern thereby to produce the desired decoration on the exteriorsurface.
 10. A method according to claim 7 including the step ofemploying a plurality of said light pegs to create a common designfeature.
 11. A method according to claim 7 wherein the step ofilluminating the open interior cavity is accomplished by placing anelectrically powered light source in the interior cavity.
 12. A kit forilluminative decoration of an exterior surface portion of a shell wallformed from an item of produce to have a selected shell wall thicknessand an open interior, comprising: (a) a plurality of light pegsconstructed of a light transmissive material and having a length atleast equal to the shell wall thickness wherein each of said light pegshas a first end that operates to collect light, a shaft portionoperative to transmit the light to a second end that is opposite thefirst end, said second end including an enlarged peg head operative toemit transmitted light divergently therefrom; and (b) a tool adapted todrive said light pegs through the exterior surface such that a portionthereof optically communicates with the open interior of the item ofproduce.